Hearing of appeal in absence of either party
9.—(1) If an appellant has indicated in his notice of appeal that he does not want to attend, or be represented at, an oral hearing, the hearing may proceed in his absence.
(2) Where:
(a)an appellant has indicated in his notice of appeal that he wants to attend, or be represented at, an oral hearing;
(b)he has been notified of the date, time and place of the hearing in accordance with rule 7; and
(c)neither he nor his representative (if he has one) attends the hearing;
the hearing may proceed in his absence.
(3) Where neither the Secretary of State nor his representative (if he has one) attends the hearing, it may proceed in his absence.